Hamilton’s 10 best romantic restaurants for 2023
- Michael Kras
- 13 Feb 2023
Valentine’s Day has arrived once again, and couples are undoubtedly firming up date night plans to mark the occasion.
Thankfully, Hamilton has got plenty of fantastic food spots that are perfect for date night: restaurants and bars that stand out for their immersive, romantic atmosphere just as much as their top notch menus.
If you’re looking for a place to hit up with your loved one this Valentine’s Day, we’ve curated a list of 10 noteworthy spots in Hamilton that are pretty much guaranteed to impress.
From laidback vibes to fine dining experiences, here’s our list of Hamilton’s top 10 date night spots for 2022!
Namu
For high-end, chef-driven Asian fusion fare, you can’t do better than this gem in Dundas.
Located inside a repurposed house on the west end of the Downtown Dundas strip, Namu’s quaint and cozy vibe lends itself to a romantic intimacy that feels totally unforced.
But what really seals the deal is Namu’s exceptional food, elevating dishes pulled from Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Indonesian cuisines – and many perfect for sharing – such as sushi rolls, bao, curries, fried rice, fusion pastas, and more.
MaiPai Tiki Bar
MaiPai Tiki Bar’s fun, immersive dining room in Barton Village might not be quite as good as an actual tropical getaway with your partner, but the sought-after menu of Detroit-style pizzas and creative cocktails makes a decision to stay put in Hamilton in the dead of winter well worth it.
Salar Madadi’s pizza spot hasn’t remotely wavered in popularity since it opened its doors three years ago, serving up Detroit-style square pies that are regarded as some of the best you can find in and around Hamilton. Paired with some wings, loaded waffle fries, playful fruit-forward cocktails, and a killer atmosphere, MaiPai is the ultimate spot for a special-yet-unpretentious date night.
Caro
For high quality Italian food that balances traditional recipes with more contemporary culinary approaches, Caro is one of the best restaurants in Hamilton.
Known for being indulgent and richly flavourful, Italian cuisine epitomizes romantic vibes (cue the spaghetti scene from Lady and the Tramp) and Caro – with its two locations on Ottawa Street North and James North – brings the goods with its tempting menu of pasta, Neapolitan pizza, and share plates. Split some butternut squash ravioli over a glass or two of red, and you’re in business.
Victoria’s Steak & Seafood
Hamilton certainly has a fair number of excellent old school steakhouses, but Victoria’s Steak & Seafood stands out for its more modern approach to fine dining.
Located at the corner of King and Locke in the former home of Rolly Rocket’s BBQ, Victoria’s has completely transformed the space into a bright, inviting dining room with a striking blend of blues, whites, and woodgrain. The perfect spot for a special occasion splurge with that special someone, this restaurant serves many of its dishes and sides “family style” in larger portions designed to be shared.
Bon Temps
The name of the restaurant literally translates to ‘good times,’ and that’s exactly what Hamiltonians can expect here.
This intimate John South restaurant space headed by Chef Dave Fauteux features elevated bistro fare inspired by French-Canadian cuisine, putting particular emphasis on shareable options like oysters, charcuterie boards, and expertly-prepared meat and seafood dishes. A thoughtful wine list and selection of bespoke cocktails seals the deal for an exemplary date night.
Castelli Cucina
Sure, this is the second Italian spot on the list, but let’s be real: is there anything more romantic than a heaping plate of Tagliatelle Al Ragu paired with a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon?
It’s the commitment to top-quality, fine ingredients that makes James North’s Castelli Cucina stand out. A far cry from your standard spaghetti and meatballs, this restaurant thrives on its modern, elevated takes on rustic Italian classics, which include exceptional pastas, pizzas, and much more.
Combine that with an inviting and attractive aesthetic, and Castelli Cucina cements itself as one of Downtown Hamilton’s prime date night indulgences.
Secco/11:11 Raw Bar
This pair of brand new John South restaurants – one upper level, one lower – has already been earning rave reviews with local food lovers.
With a menu of small and large plates inspired by global cuisines, Secco is a restaurant that practically screams “celebration” with its well-curated selection of all things sparkling – from Prosecco to Champagne – as well as custom cocktails and wines from regions near and far.
After splitting a bottle of Villa Marchese and some lobster risotto or beef short rib, head downstairs to 11:11 Raw Bar for moody vibes, outstanding raw bites like sushi and charcuterie, and sophisticated house cocktails. Perfect night? Pretty much.
Brothers Grimm Bistro
Notable for its stunning, immersive old-world charm, Brothers Grimm Bistro matches romantic vibes with a seasonally-shifting menu of Euro-inspired fine fare that often puts flavourful game meats front and centre.
Located in the subterranean space that used to house the Sandbar Tavern on King Street East, Brothers Grimm Bistro impresses with dishes like the Wild Game Sausage Board, which showcases house-made sausages of duck, elk, and rabbit; or the Smoked Cornish Game Hen served with frites.
Cocktails, craft beer, and wine round things off here, all served in a gorgeous cellar setting of exposed brick and decorative oak barrels for an experience that’s totally transporting.
The French
Short of hopping on a flight to Paris, The French is your next best option when it comes to chic Parisian vibes and modern French cuisine.
From salads to steak tartare to duck confit, The French sports a menu of fine bistro fare designed to impress, with plenty of dishes built for sharing in a setting that practically screams romance. If you want a memorable dinner date, this spot absolutely delivers.
Berkeley North
Berkeley North regularly winds up on lists of the best and most romantic restaurants in Canada, and it’s not hard to see why.
This cozy, approachable West Coast-style kitchen on King William Street stands out as much for its gorgeous dining room as it does for its thoughtful and compact menu of dishes designed for sharing and crafted with local ingredients, from pastas to salads to appetizers like mushroom dumplings and their famous house-made fresh cheese and sourdough.
With such strong nationwide acclaim, exemplary service, and one of the best kitchens in town, Berkeley North is an absolute must for that a romantic night out.
What changes would you make to our list? Let us know in the comments!
Comments 0
There are no comments
Add comment